[meteorite-list] UPDATE on stolen meteorites from PARI

[J Sinclair]

Dear Meteorite collectors and dealers,

By a remarkable effort by a number of people, 105 out of the 112
meteorites that were stolen from the Pisgah Astronomical Research
Institute on Christmas Eve 2012 have been recovered.
There were a number of meteorite list members that expressed concern,
made suggestions and got the word out. To everyone, a sincere thanks!

After talking with Dave Clavier at PARI today, here is how I
understood the recovery took place.
When the suspects were identified by surveillance cameras during the
visit where they cased the Institute and their pictures were put on
the local news stations as persons of interest, the meteorites were
dumped in a wooded area. One suspect came to the police station to
answer some questions after calling the station and denying his
involvement. After lengthy questioning, he confessed to breaking in.
He then led authorities to several areas where he said he disposed of
the meteorites. After nothing was found, he confessed again and led
them to the woods behind his mother's house. After a lot of searching,
the meteorites were recovered.

Still missing:

Canyon Diablo, 424.5 grams
Odessa, 9.16 kilos
Campo del Cielo, 2.5 kilos
Gruver, Texas H4 part-slice, 7.3 grams
and 3 small Canyon Diablos

I've got a picture of one of the suspects still at large and a little
more information at

www.stolenmeteorites.com

Again, The entire staff and the supporters of the Pisgah Astronomical
Research Institute thank you very much for your concerns and efforts
in helping with this recovery.

John